I've been thinking this afternoon about how often our behaviour, thoughts, and feelings are influenced by all the 'shoulds' we carry round in our heads. You know the ones: 'I should be more ambitious'; 'I should be thinner'; 'I should be grateful'; 'I should be more sociable'...the list goes on and on. Much of the … Continue reading The problem with ‘should’

Tūngia te uruuru kia tupu whakaritorito te tupu o te harakeke This beautiful whakataukī encapsulates my thoughts about the value of counselling. It speaks about the harakeke, and the importance of clearing away the undergrowth around the plant so that the new shoots can grow and flourish. Just like the harakeke, sometimes in order to … Continue reading Whakataukī wisdom

I feel so fortunate to have this glorious tūī - perched as they so often are amongst the harakeke blooms - ready for the wall of my office and as the logo for my practice. The very talented Vasu Singh (https://www.facebook.com/theonevasu) drew it for me, and I feel happy every time I look at it. … Continue reading The significance of the Tūī